What: Knitting Nannas and friends host a Kitchen Table Cabinet with MPs and speakers.
Where: Parliament House lawn Canberra
When: Thursday 30th May 10am-2pm
Knitting Nannas from across NSW will converge on Canberra next week to host a “kitchen table cabinet” on the lawns of Parliament House.
“We’re inviting politicians of all parties and persuasions to join us for a nice cup of tea and a serious chat about what climate change is doing to our country”.
Nannas from regional NSW have first-hand experience. Nanna Judi from Eltham, near Lismore, had water through both houses on her property and was evacuated during the February 2022 floods. She is still feeling the trauma of that day.
“Prime Minister Albanese came to Lismore during the floods and told us that because of climate change, we’re getting more weather events and they’re more intense” says Nanna Judi “but his government is still approving new coal and gas projects”.
“We’re inviting him to come on down for a cuppa and listen to Australians like us who are directly affected by climate change. We want him to do what the IPCC, the International Energy Agency and our scientists are saying, and put a stop to new coal and gas.”
Climate change is already a kitchen table conversation for Nannas like Judi. The Kitchen Cabinet believes it must become one for all Australians. “We need a public education campaign just like the successful campaigns on smoking and HIV/AIDS” says Nanna Eury from Sydney. “Climate change is a public health issue. Our own Federal Department of Health and Aged Care says so. So why not tell the Australians the truth and build public support for what needs to be done?”
Canberra is looking its best in autumn colours, and the Nannas will be out in force around town in their signature yellow and black. On Thursday 30th May they’ll pitch a marquee on Parliament House lawns, brew up, and get out the knitting needles and the Nanna songbook.
“Our performance of These Boots are Made for Walking outside Santos’ Sydney headquarters was sensational,” says Nanna Marie. “We’ve adapted several popular songs for the climate era and we know some of our politicians like the sound of their own voices. Perhaps they’d like to join us for a number or two?”
Knitting Nannas believe the kitchen cabinet model can make an important contribution to democratic debate by encouraging dialogue and engagement on important issues. The Nannas aim to “pull the wool from the eyes of MPs who’ve been blinded by fossil fuel interests.” They’ll encourage them to listen and share their concerns and plans across party lines, and with the public, so that we are all “yarning together”.
You don’t have to read the tea leaves to know There Is NO More Time. We must act. And we will. We hope you will join us.
Contact: Nanna Judi judi.summers127@gmail.
0429 023402
Nanna Eury eurydice.aroney@gmail.com
0411 817283